The Choquequirao route during the rainy season
What are the risks of doing the Cachora to Choquerquirao to Machu Picchu hiking path during December?
I understand that January and February are the worst concerning rains.
My questions is whether the going in December is mostly about being confortable/dry or is it risky/forbidden/at great risk of cancellation.
Best Answer
You've likely found that there are an abundance of articles on treking Machu Pichu, when where what how. One site that gives both a good overview, along with very detailed weather information is Machu Pichu Trek which states that is not owned by any trekking or travel company, which allows us to provide independent and impartial information.
Its summary of the Best Time For The Choquequirao Trek
The Choquequirao trek is impacted by the same sub-tropical weather patterns that dominate throughout the region. Two main seasons prevail – a dry season that runs from late April through to early October and a wet season that starts mid October and runs through to mid / late April.
The best time to do a Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu is between May and September. Unlike the Inca Trail which is bustling during this time, the trail via Choquequirao is quiet and uncrowded. Do prepare for crowds in Machu Picchu as this time of year is the high tourist season.
The main concern on the Choquequirao is the sun intensity, which is very high on many of the mountain slopes. Make sure to wear lots of sunscreen, have a good hat, and use long-sleeve shirts to protect your forearms from burning.
The shoulder months to the dry season, April and October / November, can also be a great time to trek.
The rainy months of December, January and February are not great for trekking.
To read detailed historical Machu Picchu weather information for each month of the year check out our article: Best time to trek to Machu Picchu
On the linked page, you'll see its summary, month by month (as well as charts of average monthly rain, drizzle, wind speeds):
December (Wet, Not Good for Trekking)
- Overview: Rainy season in full swing, too wet for enjoyable trekking but fine to visit Machu Picchu if you are taking a train from Cusco
- Temperature: Daytime average highs are around 19 degree C (66F) and night time average lows around 7C (45F)
- Humidity: Average monthly relative humidity is 62%
- Rain: It rains on average 20 days of the month and total average precipitation is around 110 mm (4 inches)
- Wind: Average daily wind speed is around 6km/h (3 mph), with absolute maximum being recorded at 83km/h (51 mph)
- Fog: Fog is possible
Pictures about "The Choquequirao route during the rainy season"
How long is the hike to Choquequirao?
Choquequirao Hiking Route: Four days/three nights The route is 64 kilometres long with a starting altitude of 2,900m and peaking at 3,050m. While there is only one path, the route can be divided up in a variety of ways, but I have laid out the most common four-day route.How difficult is Choquequirao?
The four-day Choquequirao trek has a moderate difficulty, and requires an average fitness level. You should only attempt the nine-day trek to Machu Picchu if you have a good level of fitness.Is Choquequirao on Inca Trail?
I'm here to do what I have been told is one of Peru's greatest hikes: The Inca trail to the citadel of Choquequirao. Its remains dwarf almost every other Inca site, spreading over several mountain slopes and 1,800 hectares in 12 separate sectors. This is just what's known about it now\u2014under 40 per cent is excavated.How do I get to Choquequirao?
Get in. There are three trails leading to Choquequirao, one from Cachora, Huanipaca and one from Yanama. To reach Cachora or Huanipaca, take the bus from Cusco to Abancay and get off at Ramal - the turn off for Cachora or Huanipaca (just past Saywite), the roads leading to these towns are about 2 km apart.Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Complete with Ruins - Solo Hike 11 Days
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Mikhail Nilov, Craig Adderley, Diego Rezende, Bhargava Marripati